USBcat - Towards an Intrusion Surveillance Toolset

This paper identifies an intrusion surveillance framework which provides an analyst with the ability to investigate and monitor cyber-attacks in a covert manner. Where cyber-attacks are perpetrated for the purposes of espionage the ability to understand an adversary's techniques and objectives are an important element in network and computer security. With the appropriate toolset, security investigators would be permitted to perform both live and stealthy counter-intelligence operations by observing the behaviour and communications of the intruder. Subsequently a more complete picture of the attacker's identity, objectives, capabilities, and infiltration could be formulated than is possible with present technologies. This research focused on developing an extensible framework to permit the covert investigation of malware. Additionally, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Mass Storage Device (MSD) based covert channel was designed to enable remote command and control of the framework. The work was validated through the design, implementation and testing of a toolset.Comment: In Proceedings AIDP 2014, arXiv:1410.322

Endogenous realignments and the sustainability of a target

We examine the effects of endogenously determined realignment expectations in a model of a target zone with sluggish price adjustment. We allow these expectations to be based on a policy rule that generates an increasing probability of realignment as output moves away from full employment. We find that for realistic parameter values, even relatively small misalignments of the currency band lead to strongly skewed conditional distributions for the nominal exchange rate, thus generating pressures for realignment. We show that the reason for this is that the speed of adjustment in the absence of realignments is rather slow. Further, we find that the existence of an equilibrium path for the exchange rate depends on the responsiveness of realignment expectations to economic fundamentals. Paradoxically, higher credibility may increase the probability that a target zone will collapse. This feature of the model provides a possible explanation for the crisis within the exchange rate mechanism of the EMS. A policy of monetary accommodation to real shocks can alleviate the problem but severely constrains a country?s ability to pursue counterinflationary measures within the band.Credit ; Foreign exchange rates

Crop price indemnified loans for farmers

Farmers face a particular set of risks that complicate the decision to borrow. We use a randomized experiment to investigate (1) the role of crop-price risk in reducing demand for credit among famers and (2) how risk mitigation changes farmers’ investment decisions. In rural Ghana, we offer farmers loans with an indemnity component that forgives 50 percent of the loan if crop prices drop below a threshold price. A control group is offered a standard loan product at the same interest rate. We find similar rates of loan uptake among all farmers and little significant impact of the indemnity component on uptake or other outcomes of interest, with the exception of higher likelihoods of garden egg cultivation and sales to market traders rather than at farmgate among recipients of indemnified loans.agricultural credit, clustered randomized control trial, crop price insurance, crop prices, Impact evaluation, underinvestment,

Reflections on the Cross-cultural Delivery of an Information Systems Degree in China

The School of Information System at the University of Tasmania has been teaching a Bachelor of Information Systems degree at the Shanghai Fisheries University for the past three years. This article critically reflects on the nature of that teaching, the issues that have arisen and the methodology that was adopted to introduce this programme to a Chinese university. A framework for the analysis of international education has been adopted as a means through which to identify each of the issues that have arisen in the delivery and administration of this programme. The findings reflect on impact of the social and cultural contexts in which such international off- shore programmes are delivered

Quantifying slope-channel coupling in an active gully and fan complex at Tarndale, Waipaoa catchment, New Zealand

Two RIEGL LMS‐Z420i scanner surveys (November 2007 and November 2008) of the Tarndale Gully complex and its associated fan were used to generate a digital elevation model (DEM) of difference in order to quantify gully‐fan‐channel connectivity. The Te Weraroa Stream, into which the first order Tarndale system feeds, is buffered from sediment generated by the gully complex by a fan. Sediment yields and the role of the fan in buffering Te Weraroa Stream are inferred from the TLS of the entire complex. DEM analysis suggests that c.25% of material derived from the gully is buffered from the stream by being stored in the fan. This figure was applied to fan behaviour since December 2004, mapped on nine successive occasions using detailed GPS surveys to get a longer‐term picture of sediment supply within the system and appraise a qualitative assessment of connectivity constructed on the basis of fan behaviour alone

Evaluation of a Byproduct from Hydrolyzed Porcine Small Intestines as an Ingredient in Pig Starters

Partial replacement of dried whey with dried hydrolysate of pig intestines resulted in a delayed positive growth performance response in three experiments. In weeks three and four, average daily gain and average daily feed intake were increased an average of 23.9 and 17.6%, respectively, by feeding intestinal hydrolysate in weeks one and two. The active component(s) in the product may speed the maturation of the pig’s ability to digest and/or assimilate nutrients

Individual Psychology (Adlerian) Applied to International Collectivist Cultures: Compatibility, Effectiveness, and Impact

The following article explores the process of Adlerian Therapy and how this theory can be applied to international collectivist cultures. The authors offer an overview of the Individual Psychology perspective and its concepts and discuss the gap in the lack of understanding among counselors and other mental health professionals in the applicability of Adlerian techniques with collectivist clients. In addition, the authors highlight the importance of cultural understanding by mental health professionals by giving clear examples and connections to real life therapeutic situations

Sustainability of a long-term volunteer-based bird monitoring program : recruitment, retention and attrition

With an increasing demand and reliance on volunteers in a host of different sectors, the need for organisations to understand motivating factors behind volunteering, and how to retain volunteer services, is crucial. This paper examines the recruitment, retention and attrition among a group of volunteers participating in a long-term monitoring program for the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot Neophema chrysogaster. This project is one of the longest running of its type in Australia with more than 20 years of survey activities. Volunteers were most often recruited via other environmental agencies. Almost three-quarters of respondents had been involved in birdwatching or other bird monitoring activities usually in connection with conservation organisations. The modal response was an involvement of 10-20 years, with most other responses in the range 0-5 years. The majority intend to continue volunteering, but cited perceived health and time commitments as the main factors behind possible future decisions to cease volunteering. Respondents suggested improvements in the volunteer management of the program, and in particular, thought a personal \u27thank you\u27, would maintain motivation and participation